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| Synonyms:OPE wax Oxidized PE wax Low molecular weight oxidized polyethylene ACumist Licowax Molecular Formula:C56H114O21 Molecular Weight: 1123.5 HS Code: 3402420000 Grade: Industrial grade 99% Hazard Class:General Cargo | |||||||||
68441-17-8
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68441-17-8
Oxidized polyethylene (OPE; CAS 68441-17-8) is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax modified with oxygen-containing functional groups — carboxyl, carbonyl and hydroxyl — along the polymer chain. This polar character sets it apart from ordinary polyethylene wax: OPE is emulsifiable in water, compatible with polar and aqueous systems, and carries a measurable acid number, while keeping the hardness, lubricity and thermal stability of a polyethylene wax. It appears as white to very slightly yellow pellets, flakes or micronized powder. Commercially it is a workhorse additive in coatings, inks and polishes (slip, scratch resistance, anti-blocking), plastics processing (PVC lubrication, mold release, masterbatch dispersion), textiles, paper, personal care (viscosity control), agrochemical and specialty formulations — and it is approved for limited food-contact uses. Supplied in pellet, flake and powder forms across acid-value grades with full COA.
Core value propositions:
● Polar Wax Chemistry: carboxyl/carbonyl functionality delivers emulsifiability and compatibility that plain PE wax lacks;
● Surface-Performance Additive: proven slip, scratch-resistance, anti-blocking and polishing performance;
● Processing Aid: lubrication, dispersion and mold-release across plastics, coatings and inks;
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Polyethylene, oxidized |
Synonyms | OPE; OPEW; oxidized polyethylene wax; POE; polyethylene, partially oxidized |
CAS No. | 68441-17-8 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 614-498-8 |
Molecular Formula | Oxidized (—CH₂CH₂—)ₙ — polyethylene backbone carrying carboxyl, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups (an oxo-carboxylic polymer) |
Appearance | White to very slightly yellow pellets, flakes or micronized powder; odorless |
Solubility | Emulsifiable/dispersible in water (as anionic emulsion); soluble in hot wax-compatible organic solvents |
Assay | Acid value, melting point, penetration and viscosity per COA |
Oxidized polyethylene is a polyolefin wax whose backbone is the same linear (—CH₂CH₂—)ₙ chain as polyethylene, but with a substantially shorter chain length than commodity PE resin. Along this backbone, oxygen-containing groups — primarily carboxylic acid (–COOH), together with carbonyl (C=O) and hydroxyl (–OH) functions — are attached, making the material an oxo-carboxylic polymer in which long-chain acids, alcohols and esters dominate the end-group chemistry, with only low epoxide and peroxide content. The result is a non-ionic, thermoplastic, semi-crystalline material with an unusual combination of properties: the hardness, low surface energy, water repellency and thermal stability of a wax, plus the polarity, acid value and emulsifiability of a fatty-acid-like material. Because the acid groups can be neutralized with alkali, OPE forms stable anionic emulsions in water, and the degree of oxidation (reflected in the acid value) tunes the balance between hydrophobicity and water compatibility. Its melt range and density sit in the classic wax window, and the material is stable, odorless and non-toxic in normal use.
● Polar functionality: carboxyl groups give emulsifiability, acid value and aqueous-system compatibility.
● True wax performance: hardness, lubricity, anti-blocking and scratch resistance of a polyethylene wax.
● Broad compatibility: works in water-based, solvent-based and hot-melt systems.
● Regulatory acceptance: approved for food contact and fruit surface treatment.
● Stable and inert: odorless, high flash point (> 254 °C), low toxicity in normal handling.
● Versatile function set: lubrication, dispersion, retention, thickening, sustained release and water retention.
5.1 Coatings, Inks & Polishes (Core Application)
OPE's polarity and wax hardness make it a leading surface-performance additive in coating and polishing systems:
● Water-based coatings and inks: slip, scratch resistance and anti-blocking without harming clarity.
● Floor, automotive and furniture polishes: hardness, gloss and scuff resistance in emulsion wax polishes.
● Leather care and finishing: buffable protective wax films.
● Paper and molded-fiber coatings: moisture resistance and release on paper-based products.
5.2 Plastics & Polymer Processing
As a high-performance wax additive, OPE improves processing and finished-part quality in plastics:
● PVC pipes, profiles and fittings: external and internal lubrication for smooth extrusion.
● Mold release and demolding aids in injection and compression molding.
● Masterbatch and filler dispersion: wetting and dispersing aid for pigments and fillers.
● Hot-melt adhesives and wax blends: hardness and cohesion control.
5.3 Textile & Paper Industries
Its polar character gives OPE affinity for fibers and cellulosic surfaces:
● Textile printing and dyeing: softening, lubrication and reduced needle friction.
● Paper sizing and coating: water repellency, gloss and printability improvement.
● Release and anti-sticking treatment on paper and board.
5.4 Personal Care & Household Products
In cosmetics and household formulations, OPE acts as a structure and film former:
● Cosmetic viscosity control and film formation (lipsticks, balms, creams).
● Emulsion waxes for creams and lotions; thickening and stabilization.
● Household care polishes and protective surface treatments.
5.5 Food-Contact & Specialty Applications
Approved for specific food-contact uses and a range of specialty roles:
● EU food additive E914: surface-treatment coating for certain fruits (e.g., citrus) to reduce moisture loss.
● Agrochemical formulations: dispersing, sustained-release and water-retention aid.
● Metal anti-rust and anti-corrosion wax coatings; ceramic processing aids.
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg woven bags or fiber drums (pellets/flakes);
Storage:
● Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep away from direct heat and open flame.
● Keep containers closed to avoid contamination; avoid prolonged storage above 50 °C.
● Fine powders: minimize dust generation; ground and bond to avoid dust clouds.
Handling & Safety (per SDS):
● Wear protective gloves, goggles and dust mask when handling powder;
● On skin/eye contact, rinse with water; if swallowed, seek medical advice.
● Factory-direct supply: own sourcing and distribution capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.
● Stable quality: every batch tested (acid value, melting point, penetration, appearance), COA with every shipment.
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, SDS, application advice); small trial orders accepted.
Q1: What is oxidized polyethylene used for?
Oxidized polyethylene is used as a performance additive across coatings, inks and polishes (slip, scratch resistance, anti-blocking), plastics processing (PVC lubrication, mold release, masterbatch dispersion), textiles and paper, personal care (viscosity control and film formation), agrochemicals, and specialty metal/ceramic treatments. It is also approved for limited food-contact uses
Q2: What does 'oxidized' mean in oxidized polyethylene?
It means the polyethylene wax chain carries oxygen-containing functional groups — mainly carboxylic acid (–COOH), along with carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. These polar groups give the wax an acid value, make it emulsifiable in water (as an anionic emulsion when neutralized), and improve compatibility with polar and aqueous systems — while the short polyethylene backbone keeps the hardness, lubricity and water repellency of a classic wax. The acid value reflects how much polar functionality the grade carries.
Q3: How do I choose between low and high acid-value grades?
Acid value tunes the polarity/emulsifiability balance. Higher-acid grades emulsify more readily in water and give finer, more stable anionic emulsions — ideal for aqueous coatings, polishes and textile applications. Lower-acid grades stay closer to standard PE wax in hydrophobicity and are preferred where water repellency, release and melt-flow lubrication dominate. Tell us your system (aqueous, solvent or hot-melt) and target performance, and we will match the grade.
